Works have begun on a replumbing programme at University Hospital Galway following last week’s detection of Legionalla at a water point in the hospital's paediatric unit.
The Legionalla bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, an infection that causes potentially fatal pneumonia, was discovered in the children’s ward last week during regular tests carried out in hospitals to check for its presence in the water supplies.
When the higher than normal reading was identified in a number of sinks in the unit the hospital immediately removed the supply points and the HSE announced to the public that there was no risk to the health of patients or staff of the hospital.
A representative for the HSE West confirmed on Saturday that works had begun on an upgrade of the plumbing system in the hospital and that it would be completed within six weeks. The full replumbing programme will be done on a phased basis with specific sections of the hospital closed off for short periods over the coming week.
This was the sixth time that Legionalla has been detected in UHG this year, having previously affected points in St Teresa’s Ward, St Pius Ward, St Anthony’s Ward, the Nurses’ Home, and the Psychiatric Department.
The HSE was quick to stress this week that no patients have been diagnosed with Legionnaire's Disease.
